Sara Shipley Hiles
Associate Professor, University of Missouri
2019 Board Candidate, Academic Category
SEJ members know how important this organization is. We know the value of covering the planet, of seeking out stories in the halls of power or the hallowed redwood forest, of prying information from those who'd rather not give it. Some may wish to see the truth suppressed, but we'll fight for it, and we'll find the ways and means to tell it well.
I've been a member of SEJ for 20 years now. Over my career, I've transitioned from being a full-time newspaper reporter, to a full-time freelancer, to a full-time academic. I now teach journalism at the University of Missouri, where I am an associate professor. Though my membership category has evolved, I have always loved SEJ and its members' passion for the work we do. This group has been an important part of my career and my personal life. I absolutely love the fact that now I'm helping to bring along the next generation of environmental journalists.
I'm the faculty advisor for the student group Science, Health & Environmental Journalism @ Mizzou. I oversee a science journalism lecture and fellowship, and I help my students publish their work in Vox Magazine, the Columbia Missourian, KBIA, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting and other outlets. I received grant funding to conduct a national workshop on nuclear energy and to create a protocol for testing lead in drinking water. I oversee graduate student research on health and environmental topics, and I'm helping to develop a Science Communication Center on our campus. I bring students to the SEJ conference every chance I get, sometimes paying their expenses out of my own pocket.
I believe in SEJ and the difference it makes. This organization is at a critical point in its development, transitioning from its founding members and staffers to the next generation of leaders. We need to ensure that strong structures are in place to help guide us into the future. We should continue to build our financial base, increase and engage membership, and press for open government. As an academic member, I'm excited about the momentum we can build with things like the awards contest student category, student outreach and resources for faculty members.
I'm organized, hardworking, resourceful, enthusiastic, an excellent listener and a tolerable ukulele player. I've been a frequent conference contributor and a member of the previous executive director search committee. My past contributions to SEJ were recognized with the Stolberg Meritorious Service Award in 2017. I would love to serve the SEJ community next as a board member. Thank you for your consideration.
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